Double joy at cricket's country week for SWC and WDCA

SOUTH West Cricket and Warrnambool and District Cricket Association are celebrating wins after a scorching opening day at Melbourne Country Week.

SWC made its provincial grade debut a memorable one with a 41-run win over Ballarat in Geelong while the WDCA claimed a thrilling eight-run win against Traralgon at Oakleigh.

In a dramatic opening to the week, South West Cricket overcame a shaky start to before a century-stand from Travis Brown and Clinton Baker guided them to a competitive 234 from 50 overs.

After taking early wickets, SWC twice broke threatening partnerships before leaving Ballarat 9-193 after 46 overs. Ballarat conceded defeat with star batsman Matt Goonan unable to bat after he suffered an ankle injury early in the field. SWC then made the most of its four-over second innings, smacking 0-34 to gain crucial bonus points.

Nestles star Cam Williams made a stylish century to be the star of the WDCA's win. He blazed 100 off 118 balls in a lone hand at the top of the order.

The WDCA had been set for a big score until Traralgon paceman Adam Brady (7-25 off 10 overs) claimed a hat-trick late in the innings. He dismissed impressive debutant Josh Stapleton (29) and Woodford pair Jake McKinnon and Nick Butters in consecutive balls.

Some lusty hitting from Nirranda skipper Jason Mungean (30 not out, including three sixes) and a well-timed innings from Port Fairy skipper Aaron Williams took the score beyond 200.

In reply, Traralgon, like the WDCA, was in early trouble before looking the likely winner, needing 24 off 30 balls with three wickets in hand. But they then collapsed losing 3-3 in six balls to be all out for 194 with nine balls remaining.